WASHINGTON DC, February 2, 2013- Genetically modified crops have been a part of the U.S. food supply for many years. Genetically engineered (GE) animals, however, have not.

If successful, AquAdvantage® salmon will be the first genetically engineered animal allowed into the U.S. food supply.

AquAdvantage salmon is an Atlantic salmon that has two added genes; an added gene from the Pacific salmon to make it grow faster, and an added gene from an eel that makes it grow throughout the year. GE salmon grow in half the time – 18 months instead of three years- but do not grow larger than natural salmon. Currently AquAdvantage eggs are created in Prince Edward Island and the fish are grown and farmed in Panama.

AquAdvantage creator, Massachusetts-based AquaBounty, has been working to obtain FDA approval to market its product for human consumption in the U.S. for 17 years. Currently in the final stages of the lengthy New Animal Drug Application (NADA) required by FDA, GE salmon could reach American plates as early as the end of 2013.

By clearing this last major regulatory hurdle, it is likely that AquAdvantage will gain FDA approval despite opposition and make its way into the American food supply by the end of 2013. While the debate over GE animals rages on, there is also a growing question concerning the labeling of these foods once they are on the market.

The controversy

There are compelling arguments on both sides of the issue of whether to allow genetically modified animals into our food supply. Most of the arguments center on whether GE animals are safe for human consumption, whether they pose a threat to the environment, and whether they should be labeled as GE foods.

Supporters of AquAdvantage and similar products argue that genetically modified animals will produce a low-priced, high-quality protein that is not a threat to the environment and is safe for human consumption.

In 2010, as part of the FDA investigation of the AquaBoyndy’s NADA application, the FDA tested six specimens. Based on the results of these tests, many health professionals agreed with the FDA assessment that the salmon is unlikely to cause more allergies or harmful effects than natural salmon.

Opponents also argue that little is known about the long-term effects GE organisms have on the environment. GE fish grow twice as fast as natural salmon, eat five times as much, have less fear of natural predators, and can reproduce throughout the year. While FDA’s environmental assessment concludes that the salmon will not have a negative impact on environs surrounding the U.S., FDA did not require a similar study in the waters around Prince Edward Island, where the eggs are currently produced; or Panama, where the fish are being farmed.

Critics note, however, that an escaped fish could impact local populations. Only 95% of the fish are actually sterile, and even though theoretical studies suggest the fish are unlikelyto survive should they escape, there is no proof that they will not survive. Neither the FDA nor AquaBounty performed an environmental assessment in Panama to determine the impact if an escaped salmon does survive, so the effect of escaped fish is relatively unknown.

Moreover, despite AquaBounty’s claims that their GE faming methods are safer than traditional aquaculture, CFS provided evidence that AquaBounty’s Canadian production site was contaminated by a new strain of Infectious Salmon Anemia, an untreatable virus that affects salmon. However, CFS claims that information about the facility’s contamination with this deadly fish flu was not considered by the FDA and was hidden from the public.

The labeling issue

Once approved, which is very likely, AquAdvantage salmon will not require special labeling identifying it as genetically engineered. Under current FDA regulations, GE foods are only required to be identified as such when they are substantially different from the natural version. The FDA stated that AquAdvantage salmon is not substantially different from its natural counterpart, and therefore will not require special labeling.

Without special labeling of GE salmon, consumers will lack information to allow them to choose whether to consume and financially support a completely new kind of food and food industry—one that we know very little about.

Additionally, FDA approval of AquAdvantage salmon is likely to set precedent for other GE foods. Firms that produce GE cows, chickens, and pigs are eagerly awaiting the results and are poised to petition for approval if AquAdvantage wins FDA authorization. If AquAdvantage ultimately does gain approval, it should be easier for these products to do so as well.

As FDA regulations stand, none of these genetically engineered foods would require special labeling identifying them as GE foods, and consumers will have no clear way of knowing whether they are eating food from a GE animal.

You know most people from other countries are fine until they move over here or stay here long..then they start developing weird allergies and sickness! I watched a really good video a few months ago about all the dangers of GMO foods, and most other countries have outlawed the use of GMO’s b/c they are so dangerous and deadly. But that video was taken down..numerous times. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on this! I love Salmon, but I guess I had better learn to “UN” love it! Manually reblogged this, btw, on my news website with links back to you here, and to your article on the Newspaper. Blessings! http://vineoflife.net/2013/02/06/frankenfish-genetically-engineered-salmon-close-to-winning-fda-approval/

Funny that you mention that when people move here they get allergies- that is exactly what happened to me. Growing up in Colombia I had no allergies, now living in the US for the past 16 years, I have worsening seasonal (more like all season) allergies and developed a weird kiwi allergy recently!
Thanks!

Search

Categories

Archives

When something is broken in your home, what do you do first? Do you call the professional handyman? What if the problem happened in the middle of the night? What if the emergency occurred... The post 5 Emergency DIYs for your Home appeared first on Arbiter News.

When it comes to having a cat or dog, there is a myriad of benefits for people. These include everything from physical to mental and even emotional improvements. For example, having a cat or... The post 5 Reasons Having a Cat or Dog Is A Great Idea! appeared first on Arbiter News.

WASHINGTON, November 14, 2017—Many were surprised by the news Sunday that 53 pastors had written a letter supporting Roy Moore, Republican candidate to the U.S. Senate, after several credible reports surfaced regarding Moore sexually... The post Roy Moore’s Wife Alters An Old Letter to Make it Appear That 53 Pastors Support Moore After Sexual Assault Allegat […]

People living along may have experienced a time period where they were eating unhealthily on a regular basis. This infographic from Lakeshore Convention Centre takes you through the potential pitfalls of having poor nutrition... The post Living Alone & Poor Nutrition appeared first on Arbiter News.

By Yuan Chen Having a healthy and shiny mane is a dream every woman desires to fulfill. While there are pretty girls out there born and blessed with gorgeous, luscious hair, a large portion... The post 10 Natural Hair Treatments You Can DIY at Home appeared first on Arbiter News.